Life: From the Heart

I don’t like to take a lot of personal space on my blog – especially if it has nothing to do with books directly. But I am feeling really overwhelmed right now, and I feel like I’m letting everyone down – but most of all, I’m letting myself down.

When reading my dear friend Marq’s blog, she was talking about being in a reading funk, I thought, yes, that’s me. But then I realized… it’s much bigger than that. I am in a LIFE FUNK. And it’s impacting all the parts of my world. In particular, however, it’s given me less time and desire to read, which means not being able to keep up with my review schedule. It means less time to stay organized and on top of review books coming in my door. It means less attention to my blog and how it’s holding up. It means less time to tweet and blog hop. This all equals stress.

This leads me to a whole other set of issues. My blog. I love my little blog and I don’t have great ambitions, however, things have been really slow lately. The number of daily visitors (not just people who comment) has diminished an unbelievable amount. This makes me so sad. I am VERY APPRECIATIVE of all of you that continue to stop by… I don’t want to seem ungrateful! But, I work so hard on my blog, and it’s just not getting out there any more. Part of the problem was a widget for Amazon Associates – it was creating a problem when loading my blog. I know of at least 4 people that could not view my blog at all for a couple months. Who knows how many others it impacted and they never told me. How do I get those people back who maybe left because of problems? Another problem is my blog is no longer showing up on Google searches. I mean – it will if I get super specific, but if I type in something general like “Review of ” I don’t show up at all – at least not in the first 10 pages. I think this all started happening about the time I purchased my own domain name. *sigh*

I just don’t have the expertise or energy to deal with these problems. I am not a whiner – these are serious concerns and issues for me. But with my life spiraling out of control… How do I make time to deal with problems I don’t even know how to describe or quantify?

Anyhow. Thank you for allowing me this little personal space. I have spent too many nights crying. I hope I don’t lose you as a reader of my blog. I promise that soon I will find my missing piece (peace?) and get back in the swing of things. Meanwhile, if you know of anyone who has the expertise to deal with my blog problems, please let me know. I’d love to try and get That’s What I’m Talking About back up and running in the most effect way possible.

Oh hon, I’m sorry to hear you’re stressed about so many things. I hope you can find your joy in blogging and reading and reviewing again soon! I understand how the numbers can disappoint, especially when they’ve been better but let’s not forget why we started blogging in the first place:) It wasn’t for followers, visitors, google rankings and that stuff, was it? ((((Big hug))))

Janna: Aren’t you on vacation girl? Thanks for the hugs. You are right, I didn’t start my blog for all those things (well, maybe for the books, lol), but I also didn’t work as hard on my blog back then. I was just talking about books I was reading. Now it’s such a big production – the review books, the reviews, a schedule… as you know, it’s a lot of work – I enjoy it, but it’s overwhelming at times.

I know how much a LIFE funk sucks and just drains you. I get like that about once a year. Maybe you should take a little vacay from the blog. I’ve done that when I have felt overwhelmed or just plain sucky. Sometimes you need to take a step back and regroup.

Love to Twimom! I know I am in a life funk as well (maybe there is something in the water…). I know a few “computer” people…I’ll ask them for some advice. Hopefully I can help find some answers. And if you need me or Gikany to do anything, just let us know…your whole blog team is right behind you!

Just wanted to say that I’m totally a lurker, and I read your posts in google reader, so you wouldn’t see me as a visitor, but I really enjoy your blog.

I’ve been in a funk for quite some time, but for me, it manifests as more reading rather than less and it’s a struggle to do things other than reading. Some days, you just want to pull the covers over your head and hide. I blame at least a part of it on the grim external news and messages that we are constantly being bombarded with. If you haven’t done this already, try turning off the news and see if that helps any.

*hugs* *hugs* *hugs* and long distance love! I just want you to know I read every single day though probably not comment as much as I should. You are a fantastic person and a fantastic friend. Love Ya!

Jen, I’m so sorry to hear you’re in a life funk. I know that you’ve got a lot going on in all areas of your life but try to keep your head up. I’m not sure how to get your blog up and going again with views and comments but I do know that Parajunkee does a blogging 101 section once a week on her blog. She also takes questions through e-mail and she’ll get back to you as soon as she can. She’s also got a well established blog but she might have some tips and tricks for you to try to get your information back out there. Let me know if you need anything at all or if you need to vent! I’m here if you never need me. 😀

I too am technically challenged, so I cannot help with blog issues. I just want to let you know that I visit you blog everyday, and I consider it one of a short list of daily must visits. Please keep doing a great job, and know that are very much appreciated.

Diana: What can I do to help you? I hate feeling hopeless! Let me know how I can help you and maybe it will help me!

Marq: *HUGS* thanks for being a great tweep! I don’t know if I can walk away from the blog. I think that would stress me out more. Besides, a lot of times, it’s the blogging that keeps me from the darkside when it comes to other aspects of my life.

Una: I love you. I feel bad that I haven’t been there for you. You lift me up all of the time. xoxo

Dani: Thanks hun! I appreciate all of your kindness and friendship!

Jen: Lurking is quite okay! I know there are a lot of people that prefer to lurk and not comment – I do a lot of that myself. I really appreciate you stopping by!

Felicia: I really wish I lived in Texas because of you! Comments aren’t necessary! I am thankful to call you friend! Time for some wine!!

D: I really appreciate all you do to support me – from the kind words of friendship, to the tweets and RTs on Twitter, and always making time to comment on my blog. You are my rock! *HUGS*

Monica: Thank you for your kind words. You have brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much!

For EVERYONE: If you are on Twitter and I am not following you, please let me know who you are so I can reach out and tweet with you!

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About My Blog

WELCOME to my blog! At That’s What I’m Talking About we discuss and review urban fantasy and all things romance, with some other fun topics tossed in. We welcome diverse romances and promoting #ownvoices authors. I hope you will stay and visit for a while!

While we attempt to keep our posts PG-13, the material reviewed and discussed is intended for adults (18 years and older). Please consider this if you choose to read and/or follow my blog. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Reading!

Jen Twimom

Disclaimer

About our reviews: The reviews posted here are the writer's own honest opinion of the book, not a judgement on the subject matter or author. We read for pleasure and at the request of authors and publishers. We do not receive compensation for our reviews, other than the copy of the book to read for the review. The source of the book is listed with each review. Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Broken after being cast out by his mentor / foster-father / master, Hugh D’Ambray barely lives. However, when his loyal men, the Iron Dogs, come to him with stories of how they are being hunted down and picked off, Hugh finds a spark of ...

tagged:
iron-covenant-series, kate-daniels-series, and urban-fantasy

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